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Alpha-Stim, Fisher Wallace Sota Biotuner, PoNS, & similar "brain stimulation" devices


meistersinger

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Cool! How long have you been using them for? Please keep us updated with the results on these! I'd love to try it if it works. 

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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@Fresh are you still using your soma tuner?

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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I looked online and it looks like people really like them, the problem is there are a lot of defective ones- charger doesn't work, broken band, etc etc. Hmmm

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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Is there any research that says that using Alpha-Stim would inhibit healing? 

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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I purchased Alpha Stim as you can see in my signature. I think it helped a bit with anxiety.  It is hard for me to tell if time has healed me or the Alpha-Stim.  The main reason I purchased Alpha Stim was due to my chronic insomnia. I do not believe it has helped with  my insomnia despite trying various settings.

-2005 -2016 60mg Cymbalta

11/2016 abrupt drop to 30mg. Insomnia started (about 2x a week.)

6/29/2017 started aggressive taper. Dosage:6/29 25mg,7/7 20mg,7/10 15mg,7/1713mg,7/18 10 mg,7/22 8mg,7/31 7.5mg,8/1 6.25mg. At 6.25mg insomnia every night (waking 2-4am.) 

8/2017 began up dosing 8/9 7.5mg,8/16 10mg.

Late 2017 new taper from 25mg. Approx 10% reduction per mos (mini-tablets.) 10mg sleep would not stabilize. Cont'd taper meds running out.

Jan 2019 stopped taper at 2.5mg. Using only supplements. Morning 500mg tyrosine, 100mg L-theanine, 600mg NAC. After breakfast 1000mg fish oil, 5mg iron, 2000IU D3, B complex, 500mg ginseng, 50mg ginkgo, probiotics & 50mg zinc. Bedtime 1000mg tryptophan, 500mg gaba, 3mg time released melatonin, 325mg magnesium powder, & 100mg progesterone.

Feb 2019 brain zaps gone. Still have chronic insomnia & anxiety at times.

March 2019-Purchased Alpha Stim

May 2019-sleep still inconsistent.

 October 2019- (Morning) L-Tyrosine, Super B complex, 5mg ferritin,fish oil, vit c, (Evening)200mg progesterone, 1mg Natrol Time Release Melatonin, 325mg Calm magnesium, glycine powder. Alpha Stim only seems to help with anxiety not insomnia. Usually wake up nightly average of 2 hours. *Using 25mg Benadryl or 12.5mg Doxylamine Succinate occasionally

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Ok thanks! Glad to hear you are healing!

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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  • 1 month later...

@Superwoman regarding the Touchpoints Solution, I stopped using it because I'm not having much full-on wake-ups as of December (except for my decaf flub last night). However, I did find it useful. When I used the Touchpoints before I went to sleep, it didn't do much, but if I woke up at night, I would use the Touchpoints then and I feel like it helped. I think our systems are much more sensitized during sleep (since so many of us are reactive to noise when sleeping). When I used it then, I could feel the vibrations from the devices running through me, and it seemed calming and useful. 

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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  • 2 weeks later...

I got alpha-Stim hoping for (mild) anxiety and major depression (all wd induced) relief. Tried it 3 times at recommended settings. I know it is hard to say based on a few attempts, but it seems like anxiety got better, but depression got worse, to the point that i am hesitant to continue. According to the maker, it takes much longer to help with depression, but i am worried about the worsening. Anyone had similar experience? Has anyone gotten relief from depression using alpha-stim?

Lexapro started 2006, 10 mg 2007 tapered to 0 over a month. Felt poorly, got wd but did not know

2008  Put back on L, 20 mg 

2015-16 tapered to 0 over several months. Severe Discontinuation symptoms several days after.

2016: 20 mg, 2016-April 2018 slow taper to 0. 

2018 April: Drug - free!!! June: Withdrawal started 🤯 July: Back on Escitalopram, 10 mg, Nov: 15 mg,

2019: Feb 15 13.75 mg, Feb 23 updose to 15 mg, Sep 6  13.75 mg, Sep 16 12.5 mg, Oct 5 11.25 mg, Oct 23 updose 12 mg

2020: Jan 13 11.5 mg Jan 16 updose 11.9 mg, Feb-Dec  slowly tapered from 11.6 to 6.6 mg. 

2021: Oct 5 mg

2022: Jul 3.8 mg

Holding due to bad symptoms of tiredness, brain fog, depression. 

Bupropion trial sep- nov 2019 no relief from wd. 100, 150, 100, 75, 50, 0 mg

Testosterone Aug 2019-April 2021 - injections, stopped abruptly, experienced wd from T discontinuation . Nov 2021 - current - topical. Massive wave from T re-introduction

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@LeoD I never ended up trying it, but I went through this thread and read the comments on it. Anyone who had a good response to it, I messaged and asked if they were still using it. I think I got two responses back. 

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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So is it fare to say that the summary from this site is that alpha stim does not help with wd and may be harmful?

Lexapro started 2006, 10 mg 2007 tapered to 0 over a month. Felt poorly, got wd but did not know

2008  Put back on L, 20 mg 

2015-16 tapered to 0 over several months. Severe Discontinuation symptoms several days after.

2016: 20 mg, 2016-April 2018 slow taper to 0. 

2018 April: Drug - free!!! June: Withdrawal started 🤯 July: Back on Escitalopram, 10 mg, Nov: 15 mg,

2019: Feb 15 13.75 mg, Feb 23 updose to 15 mg, Sep 6  13.75 mg, Sep 16 12.5 mg, Oct 5 11.25 mg, Oct 23 updose 12 mg

2020: Jan 13 11.5 mg Jan 16 updose 11.9 mg, Feb-Dec  slowly tapered from 11.6 to 6.6 mg. 

2021: Oct 5 mg

2022: Jul 3.8 mg

Holding due to bad symptoms of tiredness, brain fog, depression. 

Bupropion trial sep- nov 2019 no relief from wd. 100, 150, 100, 75, 50, 0 mg

Testosterone Aug 2019-April 2021 - injections, stopped abruptly, experienced wd from T discontinuation . Nov 2021 - current - topical. Massive wave from T re-introduction

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I unfortunately deleted the responses I got from it. I think one said it helped with anxiety but not insomnia. The other said it helped with anxiety, but if she stopped using it for a day, it would come back stronger, which doesn't sound good to me. To me, it seemed too risky at the end of the day and not worth the risk in my situation since my symptoms seem to change too much throughout the day (only bits and pieces of anxiety/depression and then can't figure out if I have restful sleep or not)  So yeah, probably fair to say. 

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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Ok, thanks for you thoughts and summary! I will return my alpha stim then before it is too late.

Lexapro started 2006, 10 mg 2007 tapered to 0 over a month. Felt poorly, got wd but did not know

2008  Put back on L, 20 mg 

2015-16 tapered to 0 over several months. Severe Discontinuation symptoms several days after.

2016: 20 mg, 2016-April 2018 slow taper to 0. 

2018 April: Drug - free!!! June: Withdrawal started 🤯 July: Back on Escitalopram, 10 mg, Nov: 15 mg,

2019: Feb 15 13.75 mg, Feb 23 updose to 15 mg, Sep 6  13.75 mg, Sep 16 12.5 mg, Oct 5 11.25 mg, Oct 23 updose 12 mg

2020: Jan 13 11.5 mg Jan 16 updose 11.9 mg, Feb-Dec  slowly tapered from 11.6 to 6.6 mg. 

2021: Oct 5 mg

2022: Jul 3.8 mg

Holding due to bad symptoms of tiredness, brain fog, depression. 

Bupropion trial sep- nov 2019 no relief from wd. 100, 150, 100, 75, 50, 0 mg

Testosterone Aug 2019-April 2021 - injections, stopped abruptly, experienced wd from T discontinuation . Nov 2021 - current - topical. Massive wave from T re-introduction

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I am still having great success with the Biotuner, this little device saved my life after 1 1/2 years of insomnia and sleeping every 3rd night. For me Antidepressant withdrawal came with severe insomnia. I’ve also seen it happen when people hit a wall and the antidepressants stop helping. Coming off the antidepressants due to anticholinergic toxicity made me have to come off all my anticholinergic meds which included the antidepressant. 

 

When it arrived, I used it as described and slept 3 hours when noting I could do in the past would make me sleep. From my understanding, our bodies slow down the production of our own brain releasing  chemicals when we take antidepressants. After using the biotuner every day for a few months, i started to produce my own chemicals again. I only need it on occasion now for over the top anxiety or a depressed mood as a little pick me up but honestly once it retrained my brain to start releasing the chemicals again naturally, it was almost too good to be true, but it worked!!  

 

It took patience and I only would would use it for (2) 15-20 min cycles, two times a day so I didn’t overuse it. I had read overusing and wearing it all day was not helping people so I tried to stuck to twice a day so my body would continue to respond to it. 

 

Very thankful to have found it! Actually my mother did while trying to help me. Thankful!! ♥️

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Thank you Ineedsleep for you input!

Would be great if you added your drug signature so that people know if there stories are similar to yours or not❤️

Lexapro started 2006, 10 mg 2007 tapered to 0 over a month. Felt poorly, got wd but did not know

2008  Put back on L, 20 mg 

2015-16 tapered to 0 over several months. Severe Discontinuation symptoms several days after.

2016: 20 mg, 2016-April 2018 slow taper to 0. 

2018 April: Drug - free!!! June: Withdrawal started 🤯 July: Back on Escitalopram, 10 mg, Nov: 15 mg,

2019: Feb 15 13.75 mg, Feb 23 updose to 15 mg, Sep 6  13.75 mg, Sep 16 12.5 mg, Oct 5 11.25 mg, Oct 23 updose 12 mg

2020: Jan 13 11.5 mg Jan 16 updose 11.9 mg, Feb-Dec  slowly tapered from 11.6 to 6.6 mg. 

2021: Oct 5 mg

2022: Jul 3.8 mg

Holding due to bad symptoms of tiredness, brain fog, depression. 

Bupropion trial sep- nov 2019 no relief from wd. 100, 150, 100, 75, 50, 0 mg

Testosterone Aug 2019-April 2021 - injections, stopped abruptly, experienced wd from T discontinuation . Nov 2021 - current - topical. Massive wave from T re-introduction

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Hi, I am so sorry. I haven’t posted in a few years. All of my info and history is under my previous posts for Ineedsleep and I am off all medication. Very thankful for the biotuner!! I can go back and pull out main threads but the main thing was the neurologist overdosed me with anticholinergics, of which antidepressants are in that class. It fried my nerves, I have severe neuropathy, severe insomnia, and severe anxiety from that incident and then no longer being able to take anticholinergics, so I had to find an alternative method. I was so toxic and all doctors knew to do was throw more meds at me. I couldn’t take them due to the toxicity, my nerves in body would vibrate and burn. When my mom found the biotuner, I had almost given up hope. It took patience but I could feel it working. All of my old posts will show my history, all of the meds I was on and the day I received the biotuner!  I also documented the process that I used. I am a retired nurse. My heart goes out to every one of you. 

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Ineedsleep

Retired USAF Nurse injured in 1998, neck injury. In my 10th month of Antidepressant Withdrawl Syndrome and Anticholinergic Toxicity Syndrome

Zoloft 8 years 50-200mg

Cymbalta 4 years and Straterra 2 years taken together

Nortriptyline 50 mg 2 years

Neurontin 3 months

Ativan 1 month prior to Anticholinergic Toxicity

Round the clock Phernergan 100mg and Benadryl 25mg every 6 hours for 3 days to stop migraines? Hospitalized after 2 weeks of severe toxicity. 

Since then . . . could not restart meds as they were all anticholinergics

Placed on Ambien 3 months ago, after 3 weeks I became tolerant then had rebound insomnia

Have periodically taken Kavinace, but after 1 month will build a tolerance then I have to stop for a month before it works again.

Bachs Rescue Remedy, Hylands Calms Forte, Warm milk, Concentrated Chamomile tea, Valerian, Occasional 3.5 mg Lortab to take edge off of pain. 

Currently on .05 mg Estrogen, .088mg Synthroid, 40mg Omeprazole, OTC Gaviscon.

Stopped all acidic foods, no caffeine, no alcohol. I've lost 25 pounds in 10 months. 

Desperate for sleep and recovery . . . Much love to all who has gone before me in this long and painful journey. Help me please.

Edited June 25, 2012

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi, everyone,


I’m happy with the Alpha-Stim Aid. At first, it was a bit hard going: I couldn’t easily tolerate the device even at it’s lowest setting for the shortest amount of time. But after a few tries, I adapted. I still only use the Alpha at a very low setting (2 or at most 3 bars out of 10), but now for an hour at a time, with no side effects like nausea or a headache (a kind of seasickness). I use it practically every day now, while watching television or reading.

 

For me, the Alpha worked against anxiety quite fast, almost instantly. I remember being so surprised walking outside without a baseline of quiet dread for the first time in a very long time! Sleep took longer, a few weeks, I guess. In fact, my insomnia initially seemed to get worse. But after a while, I noticed longer and better hours of sleep, even when I feel bad emotionally. Not all nights are good, but many of them are: I often get 5 or 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep, then wake up, then get another 1 or 2. If it takes me hours to fall asleep, I am even able to sleep late! Sleep quality seems better as well: less restless and deeper. 
 

Wishing all of you well, M.

 

 

 

 

Paxil/Seroxat/paroxetine 10 mg for over 20 years

Several failed attempts at quitting

Slow tapering since June 2016 using liquid paroxetine

Presently stabilising at 0,15 ml (0,3 mg) because of the worst withdrawal so far

June 2017: tried tapering further to 0,1 ml (0,2 mg) but that backfired badly. Stabilising again at 0,15 ml.

July 15, 2017: down to 0

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On 11/4/2019 at 12:23 AM, Superwoman said:

I recently purchased buzzers called Touchpoint Solutions.  They are two buzzers that vibrate alternately. You hold one in each hand. They are based on bi-lateral Stimulation such as EMDR. There is a lot of research backing up bi-lateral Stimulation. They are $150 and available on their website.  
 

My sister is a counselor and heard they work good for anxiety. We got them for my dad for a present to help him with anxiety and sleep. I borrowed them from my dad to try. I found they really help me with my anxiety and sleep.  I really need to give my dad his present back so I just ordered my own lol.  The only side effect I know of is my dad said it gave him vivid dreams.  PM me if you want more information. 


 I posted some pictures so people can get a better idea what they are.  FYI a lot of reviewers said they received defective units.  On the plus side you can get a refund or replacement if it is defective and the customer service seemed very good.  When I got mine only one buzzer worked.  I contacted the company and had to plug it into my laptop and turn it on and off and then it worked.  One prong on the charger did not work.  They sent me a new one at no charge and I have had no issues since.  
 

I would recommend the band in the picture over the wrist band b/c the wrist bands don’t stay together well and this one can be worn to bed. 
 

I don’t wear them while sleeping b/c the buzzing actually keeps me awake.  Some people where them in bed though and find that it helps them sleep.  I use them before bed and it makes me tired and relaxes me. 
 

I don’t think that it can cause any harm or reactions b/c it just vibrations.  So if you are looking for something low risk you may want to give it a try. 
 

1993-2000: Zoloft few months CT, Prozac 1-2 yrs, Ritalin PRN

2002/2003: Wellbutrin,  Paxil 25mg FT, and Xanax PRN CT (all 3 to 6 months), Adderal 40mg, Strattera 40mg

2003- 2016: Effexor XR 75 mg to 150 mg., Strattera (2002-2008)

2017: Effexor XR 225 mg. Gabapentin 300 mg. Elavil 25 mg.

2018: (Sept.) Effexor XR 187.5 mg, Zoloft 10 mg. (OCT.) FT off Gabapentin (NOV.) FT off Elavil (DEC) FT Effexor to 150 mg.

2019: (JAN.) D/C Zoloft, added Viibryd 10mg (FEB) CT Viibryd, (MAR) Prozac bridge, Effexor xr 112.5mg, (Sept.) Effexor XR 112.5 mg + 0.4 mg (1 bead), (Oct.) Effexor XR 112.5mg, (Dec.28) start 10% taper Effexor XR 101.25 mg, 

2020: (Jan. 25) Effexor XR 91 mg., (Feb. 22) Effexor xr 82 mg., (Mar. 21) 75 mg. 

Supplements:  Vitamin D 5000 IU topical, Probiotic 6 billion CFU, Epsom salt bath 1C 2 to 3 X week, California Poppy 2 droppers, various essential oils 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/21446-superwoman-effexor-taper/page/8/?tab=comments#comment-475779

 

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Below are pictures of the Touchpoint buzzers.

 

14D835FE-B1E0-433F-81DA-28367A5DF349.jpeg

D4482D9C-A4F0-4D4B-A576-F380BC3EA3E4.jpeg

1993-2000: Zoloft few months CT, Prozac 1-2 yrs, Ritalin PRN

2002/2003: Wellbutrin,  Paxil 25mg FT, and Xanax PRN CT (all 3 to 6 months), Adderal 40mg, Strattera 40mg

2003- 2016: Effexor XR 75 mg to 150 mg., Strattera (2002-2008)

2017: Effexor XR 225 mg. Gabapentin 300 mg. Elavil 25 mg.

2018: (Sept.) Effexor XR 187.5 mg, Zoloft 10 mg. (OCT.) FT off Gabapentin (NOV.) FT off Elavil (DEC) FT Effexor to 150 mg.

2019: (JAN.) D/C Zoloft, added Viibryd 10mg (FEB) CT Viibryd, (MAR) Prozac bridge, Effexor xr 112.5mg, (Sept.) Effexor XR 112.5 mg + 0.4 mg (1 bead), (Oct.) Effexor XR 112.5mg, (Dec.28) start 10% taper Effexor XR 101.25 mg, 

2020: (Jan. 25) Effexor XR 91 mg., (Feb. 22) Effexor xr 82 mg., (Mar. 21) 75 mg. 

Supplements:  Vitamin D 5000 IU topical, Probiotic 6 billion CFU, Epsom salt bath 1C 2 to 3 X week, California Poppy 2 droppers, various essential oils 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/21446-superwoman-effexor-taper/page/8/?tab=comments#comment-475779

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I haven't been on SA in a long time but I have this thread to follow since I have an Alpha Stim. It is interesting reading all the different reactions that people have to it. I personally find that it helps with my anxiety levels. It doesn't get rid of them entirely but the anxiety is definitely less. I hadn't thought about it what it's doing for my sleep but I have noticed that over time my sleep has gotten a lot better. I've had my Alpha Stim since 2016 and have been using it daily since then. I still use it on the first setting as it makes me dizzy if I increase it. 

 

A thought about the Touchpoint buzzers. I have done EMDR and used the hand held units so I know what they feel like. I personally have a huge anxiety reaction to that kind of vibration. I was playing a video game with my husband and the controller started buzzing in my hand. I thought I was going to crawl out of my skin with the anxiety. I personally wouldn't try the Touchpoint buzzers due to this issue. Just thought I'd put that out there as a note for other people who have issues with vibrations causing increased WD sxs. If you don't have that problem then it sounds like another for something that could be helpful. 

 

 

Buspirone to 45mg, Cold Turkey St. John's Wort 600mg Jan 1, 2016. Cold Turkey Buproprion 150SR June 1 due to severe Akathisia that did not decrease with reducing the dosage.

Clonazepam 1.25mg, started daily liquid micro taper of clonazepam on Nov 1, 2016. Changed to sxs based taper 01/17. Slow and steady

11/10/16 .4104 3X day; 11/17/16 .4091 3x day; 11/28/16 .406 3x day; 12/4/16 .404 3x day; 12/11/16 .4028 3x

01/12/17 .39267 3x day holding; 02/25/17 .3902 3x day, holding. .3823mg 3x day. Tapering at .0007462mg as able;  09/21/18 .3542mg 3x day.  1/3/2019 .339mg 3x day. 6/25/19 .3307mg 3x day. 8/24/19 .317mg 3x day 2/13/20 .2886mg 3x day 3/18/21 .2388mg 3x day 06/17/21 .2239mg 3x day 09/13/22 .1682 3x day

L-theanine 200 mg, L-glycine 500mg 1x day and 1000mg 1x day, vit C 1000 mg sustained release 2x day. Fish oil 1800mg EPA + DHA. Vit E 400 IU, magnesium in various forms. Inositol 3x a day abt 14mg, Taurine 500mg.

5/20/16 Using Cranial Eletrotherapy Stimulation. 2x day 1 hour at level 1. Using Alph-Stim AID. 

 

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  • 3 months later...

Does anyone have any experience with MeRT, which is a personalized, customized application of TMS?

Was on Lexapro for 66 days starting in early January.  5mg for a week, 10mg for 3, 7.5 for 3 days, then 5mg and 2.5mg for approx two weeks after.  

Was on Lithium for 60 days starting in late January. 1 300mg ER pill a day.  Stopped CT

Was given a .5 ativan script in early Jan.  Took it maybe 20x total from early Jan to beg of June, 2020.

 

-Fall of 2019:  had two vertigo attacks for the first time with no warning, each followed by 4-5 days of morning dizziness.

-Last Friday of 2019:  had first ever, out of the blue, panic attack.  Went to ER- didn't know what was happening.  Was diagnosed w/GAD, even though had never had anxiety or depression problems before.  Basically no health problems at all prior to this, and in very good shape emotionally, physically, and mentally.

-4 days after panic attack given lexapro.  That's when the hell began.  Was on it 66 days.  Reacted badly to it.  Gave me suicidal ideation 4 wks after starting it, plus exhaustion, off the charts anxiety, dizziness, and fatigue.  Did a fast taper over 5 wks.  Was on it 66 days total.

-been off lexapro completely since mid-March, 2020.  First 3 weeks I got better and better.  Then, week 4 into WD got slammed.  Since then, over 64 side effects/symptoms.  Can't drive.  At times, barely surviving.

-since Jan., have been to the e r 16x.

-was given lithium after experienced SI from lexapro to as a "mood stabilizer".  Never really noticed anything from it, nor anything after stopping it, except for a few days of heightened depression about a week after.

-was given low dosage ativan script 2nd week into lexapro to deal with the anxiety/panic spike caused by the lexapro.  Took it perhaps 20x between Jan and June, 2020.  Always made me feel better, but last time it was taken (early June) experienced intrusive thoughts after so stopped it.  Didn't feel any negative reaction from stopping it, perhaps b/c it was taken so infrequently and the dosage was so low. 

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

I am wondering if anyone has tested the Flow Depression system  - https://flowneuroscience.com/home/new-home/

The above link has been sent to me by a friend and before I order it it would be helpful to know if anyone has tried it and , if so, with what success? 

Personally I am willing to try anything but all comments welcomed

Thanks 

February 2002 - March 2003 -  Citalopram 10mg

March 2003- June 2003 - Citalopram 20 mg

June 2003 - October 2006 - 75mg Venlafaxine 

October 2006 - March 2010 - Venlafaxine 150mg

March 2010 - November 2017 Venlafaxine 300

May 2011 - November 2017 - Mirtazapine 30mg

November 2017 - Feb 2018  Fluoxetine 40 mg

From February 2018 - Sept 2019 -Reboxtine 8mg + Trazadone 150 mg

December 2019 to date and took Mirtazapine 15 mg which was increased to 30 mg at end of April 2020 

 

 

 

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On 4/30/2017 at 8:36 AM, Daisies24 said:

Hello, I know it has been a while since anyone posted to this topic, but I was just wondering . . . for the few people who seem to have had adverse reactions to these devices (anxiety, restlessness, agitation, etc.), how long after stopping the device did it take for your symptoms to go away? I had an adverse reaction to one of these devices, too, after using it for about a week. I feel it threw me back very significantly into withdrawal; I am having very strong symptoms I have not had in many, many months. 

Hi Daisies- which device/model did you use?  Are you better now?

Was on Lexapro for 66 days starting in early January.  5mg for a week, 10mg for 3, 7.5 for 3 days, then 5mg and 2.5mg for approx two weeks after.  

Was on Lithium for 60 days starting in late January. 1 300mg ER pill a day.  Stopped CT

Was given a .5 ativan script in early Jan.  Took it maybe 20x total from early Jan to beg of June, 2020.

 

-Fall of 2019:  had two vertigo attacks for the first time with no warning, each followed by 4-5 days of morning dizziness.

-Last Friday of 2019:  had first ever, out of the blue, panic attack.  Went to ER- didn't know what was happening.  Was diagnosed w/GAD, even though had never had anxiety or depression problems before.  Basically no health problems at all prior to this, and in very good shape emotionally, physically, and mentally.

-4 days after panic attack given lexapro.  That's when the hell began.  Was on it 66 days.  Reacted badly to it.  Gave me suicidal ideation 4 wks after starting it, plus exhaustion, off the charts anxiety, dizziness, and fatigue.  Did a fast taper over 5 wks.  Was on it 66 days total.

-been off lexapro completely since mid-March, 2020.  First 3 weeks I got better and better.  Then, week 4 into WD got slammed.  Since then, over 64 side effects/symptoms.  Can't drive.  At times, barely surviving.

-since Jan., have been to the e r 16x.

-was given lithium after experienced SI from lexapro to as a "mood stabilizer".  Never really noticed anything from it, nor anything after stopping it, except for a few days of heightened depression about a week after.

-was given low dosage ativan script 2nd week into lexapro to deal with the anxiety/panic spike caused by the lexapro.  Took it perhaps 20x between Jan and June, 2020.  Always made me feel better, but last time it was taken (early June) experienced intrusive thoughts after so stopped it.  Didn't feel any negative reaction from stopping it, perhaps b/c it was taken so infrequently and the dosage was so low. 

 

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  • Altostrata changed the title to Alpha-Stim, Fisher Wallace Sota Biotuner, PoNS, & similar "brain stimulation" devices

@Altostrata
 

I researched https://cereset.com, went for an evaluation and thought that this sounded like a viable option to help reset the unbalance that has occurred due to medication complications. An EEG is used to listen to brain wave frequencies and then those frequencies are played back in realtime through piano tones into your ears through a headset. Supposedly the brain hears itself and determines it needs to correct itself. 
 

I felt nerve sensations in my stomach and anxiety during the first session. And now after only the one session, I am suffering a quite the setback with new symptoms that I didn’t have before. The technican encouraged me to come back and “walk through the fire” because once the entire brain is balanced, the symptoms will settle down. He has no idea. No thank you.  
 

I had every intention of not going through with the sessions, but I had a very agreeable mood swing after I got to the office and was easily convinced to try it. In hindsight, I should not have gone there on my own. 
 

Please be more cautious than I was when considering this as a fix. 
 

-ghm

2002 - 2014, 500mg Keppra 2x’s/day (anti-seizure med)

2003 thru 2004 - 10 mg Remeron

2005ish - Adverse reactions to single doses of Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro (no long-lasting problems)

2012 - Buspar (overly energized, stopped immediately, no long-lasting problems)

2014 - 1 month taper off of 500mg Keppra (Leviteracitam) - seizure free for 12 years 

2017 - 500mg Leviteracitam (generic keppra) 

2017 - Mid-Dec experienced adverse reaction to Leviteracitam due to different manufacturer. Stopped on Dec 20.

2018 - Jan 1st, 10 mg Fluoxetine (generic prozac) experienced severe adverse reaction after 3 doses and continue to experience issues today. 

2003 - 2018 Ativan, occasionally/rarely
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  • Administrator

There is no such thing as balancing the brain with an electronic device. This is all trial-and-error. We cannot predict the outcome for any individual.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 1 month later...

I was wondering if anyone has ever tried either the Fisher Wallace Stimulator or the Alpha-Stim Device for depression, anxiety, or insomnia? These companies say their devices work for these problems. They supposedly stimulate the brain with small electric currents. I have seen scientific studies on the Alpha-Stim that reported good results, but it would be interesting to hear from anyone who has actually tried these.

Celexa - 20 mg May 2015 - March 2016 (Felt quite good)..... Celexa taper from May 2016 - Nov 2016.....Completely off by Nov. 2016.

Depression and Anxiety returned June 2017

July, 2017: Zoloft = 25 mg;  Aug. 2017 = 37.5 mg; Nov. 2017 = 50 mg thru Jan. 23, 2018.

Jan. 2018 - May 6, 2019 = taper Zoloft from 50 mg to 12.5 mg.  Aug. 11, 2019 - felt so bad that I reinstated at 25mg. Hold at this dose until Feb. 3, 2020

Feb. 4, 2020 = reduce dose to 21.875 mg. Hold for 10 weeks. April 14, 2020 = 18.75 mg. Hold for 10 weeks.  

June10, 2020 - start cycle of 2 weeks to taper slowly from old dose to new dose, then hold at new dose for 6 weeks.

June 23, 2020  = 16.66 mg.........August 26, 2020 = 14.75 mg ....... October 28, 2020 = 13.15 mg

2021: Jan. 1 = 11.85 mg....Feb. 26 = 10.5 mg....April 23 = 9.3 mg....June 12 = 8.33 mg.... Aug. 7 = 7.05 mg.....Oct. 9 = 6.08 mg.....Dec. 4 = 5.12 mg......Jan. 21, 2022 = 4.16mg.....Mar. 26 = 3.20mg......May 7 = 1.92mg....June 11 = 1.6mg.....July 23= 1.28 mg.....Aug. 13 = 0.96 mg.....Sept. 1 =O mg.

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  • 1 year later...

I have the touchpoint buzzers. They are notorious for arriving with one or both of them damaged, but both of mine work. When I had insomnia, they wouldn't help me fall asleep, but if I woke up in the middle of the night, I would put them on my hands and they would soothe me back into sleep. I think Superwoman also really liked them. Anyways, they retail for $150, but if anyone wants to give them a try and lives in the continental US, I can send them for free. I'd like to help someone who is suffering (but of course, the burden is, if it has a negative effect, I would feel bad). I'm essentially healed and have had no use for them (and the insomnia bit for me wasn't the longest part of my withdrawal, so I didn't use them very much, I was more someone who eventually slept all day and night). Anyways, just send me a message if you want them. Admins, please delete if not allowed. 
https://thetouchpointsolution.com/?rfsn=5759525.554160&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=5759525.554160&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsZKJBhC0ARIsAJ96n3UNs_Mmg9a5AjWQkF-20b-CbwQ8G4Su-IgRoQgCz6hsktyVwMIQDdkaAn_HEALw_wcB

3/21/19 started Bupropion XL 150 mg

3/21/19 started Risperidone 2mg

7/7/19 start Abilify half dose 5 mg. discontinue Risperidone

7/9/19 full dose Abilify 10 mg

7/29/19 discontinued Abilify due to panicky side effects

8/2/19 Began Latuda 20 mg

8/5/19 discontinued Latuda due to similar side effects 

8/10/19 discontinued Bupropion after realizing it was causing the insomnia

From 8/10/19 no drugs whatsoever

Currently taking vitamin C, D, E, a probiotic and fish oil. 
Message me here if you want: 
https://www.facebook.com/morra.lal.3/  I've been getting a lot of fake friend requests, so please send a message before friend requesting me, thank you!

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  • 3 months later...

I tried Flow Neuroscience a couple of days ago and I'm in such a bad place now. It caused me severe panic attacks, severe anxiety, feeling shivering and cold. I wonder if it is permanent damage after 2 sessions? I have been off for 3 days now

Anyone had a bad experience and recovered from brain stimulation?

Zoloft, November 2019.  I worked up to 50 mg and stayed there until 1 year later. I tapered for 3 months, which should consider to be cold turkey.
Tapering schedule:
Month 1: 37.5 mg

Month 2: 25 mg

Month 3: 12.5 mg

Month 4(Half the month): 6.75 mg
Month 4(Other half): 0 mg December 9, 2020

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@curiousnootropics I am so sorry! I had a similar experience with Cereset. One session and I knew I had made a mistake.  Unfortunately, it took quite a bit of time for things to calm down.  Keep hanging in there!  You can make it!

2002 - 2014, 500mg Keppra 2x’s/day (anti-seizure med)

2003 thru 2004 - 10 mg Remeron

2005ish - Adverse reactions to single doses of Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro (no long-lasting problems)

2012 - Buspar (overly energized, stopped immediately, no long-lasting problems)

2014 - 1 month taper off of 500mg Keppra (Leviteracitam) - seizure free for 12 years 

2017 - 500mg Leviteracitam (generic keppra) 

2017 - Mid-Dec experienced adverse reaction to Leviteracitam due to different manufacturer. Stopped on Dec 20.

2018 - Jan 1st, 10 mg Fluoxetine (generic prozac) experienced severe adverse reaction after 3 doses and continue to experience issues today. 

2003 - 2018 Ativan, occasionally/rarely
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5 minutes ago, ghm2018 said:

@curiousnootropics I am so sorry! I had a similar experience with Cereset. One session and I knew I had made a mistake.  Unfortunately, it took quite a bit of time for things to calm down.  Keep hanging in there!  You can make it!


Thanks, what kind of symptoms did you experience? Do you remember how long it took to calm down?

Appreciate the cheering words, it means a lot. I really feel awful and I'm thinking that I have caused brain damage from it. Hoping it is my mind playing tricks on me

Zoloft, November 2019.  I worked up to 50 mg and stayed there until 1 year later. I tapered for 3 months, which should consider to be cold turkey.
Tapering schedule:
Month 1: 37.5 mg

Month 2: 25 mg

Month 3: 12.5 mg

Month 4(Half the month): 6.75 mg
Month 4(Other half): 0 mg December 9, 2020

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I had anxiety, extreme nausea, burning, extreme insomnia, tinnitus, etc.  I don’t want to be discouraging by sharing how long it took, so I’ll just say that it took several weeks, but realistically, it took months. 
 

I, too, thought I had damaged my brain, but improvement will come with time. 
 

We are all different though, so hopefully you will recover more quickly than me.  Just do your best to take things moment by moment. 

2002 - 2014, 500mg Keppra 2x’s/day (anti-seizure med)

2003 thru 2004 - 10 mg Remeron

2005ish - Adverse reactions to single doses of Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro (no long-lasting problems)

2012 - Buspar (overly energized, stopped immediately, no long-lasting problems)

2014 - 1 month taper off of 500mg Keppra (Leviteracitam) - seizure free for 12 years 

2017 - 500mg Leviteracitam (generic keppra) 

2017 - Mid-Dec experienced adverse reaction to Leviteracitam due to different manufacturer. Stopped on Dec 20.

2018 - Jan 1st, 10 mg Fluoxetine (generic prozac) experienced severe adverse reaction after 3 doses and continue to experience issues today. 

2003 - 2018 Ativan, occasionally/rarely
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24 minutes ago, ghm2018 said:

I had anxiety, extreme nausea, burning, extreme insomnia, tinnitus, etc.  I don’t want to be discouraging by sharing how long it took, so I’ll just say that it took several weeks, but realistically, it took months. 
 

I, too, thought I had damaged my brain, but improvement will come with time. 
 

We are all different though, so hopefully you will recover more quickly than me.  Just do your best to take things moment by moment. 

Thank you, I'm going to hang in there. Lessen learned I guess. Do you feel 100% improved from that experienced? Burning? On the place you put the stimulation? Did you experiencing any shivering? I have some of that. How are you in your journey?

Zoloft, November 2019.  I worked up to 50 mg and stayed there until 1 year later. I tapered for 3 months, which should consider to be cold turkey.
Tapering schedule:
Month 1: 37.5 mg

Month 2: 25 mg

Month 3: 12.5 mg

Month 4(Half the month): 6.75 mg
Month 4(Other half): 0 mg December 9, 2020

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8 hours ago, ghm2018 said:

I had anxiety, extreme nausea, burning, extreme insomnia, tinnitus, etc.  I don’t want to be discouraging by sharing how long it took, so I’ll just say that it took several weeks, but realistically, it took months. 
 

I, too, thought I had damaged my brain, but improvement will come with time. 
 

We are all different though, so hopefully you will recover more quickly than me.  Just do your best to take things moment by moment. 

Did it got better gradually or was it sudden?

Zoloft, November 2019.  I worked up to 50 mg and stayed there until 1 year later. I tapered for 3 months, which should consider to be cold turkey.
Tapering schedule:
Month 1: 37.5 mg

Month 2: 25 mg

Month 3: 12.5 mg

Month 4(Half the month): 6.75 mg
Month 4(Other half): 0 mg December 9, 2020

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@curiousnootropicsFor me, all symptoms improve slowly and gradually.  That’s just my experience though.  Hopefully your experience will be better than mine.

2002 - 2014, 500mg Keppra 2x’s/day (anti-seizure med)

2003 thru 2004 - 10 mg Remeron

2005ish - Adverse reactions to single doses of Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro (no long-lasting problems)

2012 - Buspar (overly energized, stopped immediately, no long-lasting problems)

2014 - 1 month taper off of 500mg Keppra (Leviteracitam) - seizure free for 12 years 

2017 - 500mg Leviteracitam (generic keppra) 

2017 - Mid-Dec experienced adverse reaction to Leviteracitam due to different manufacturer. Stopped on Dec 20.

2018 - Jan 1st, 10 mg Fluoxetine (generic prozac) experienced severe adverse reaction after 3 doses and continue to experience issues today. 

2003 - 2018 Ativan, occasionally/rarely
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6 hours ago, ghm2018 said:

@curiousnootropicsFor me, all symptoms improve slowly and gradually.  That’s just my experience though.  Hopefully your experience will be better than mine.

 

6 hours ago, ghm2018 said:

@curiousnootropicsFor me, all symptoms improve slowly and gradually.  That’s just my experience though.  Hopefully your experience will be better than mine.

It is hell. Day 5 now

Zoloft, November 2019.  I worked up to 50 mg and stayed there until 1 year later. I tapered for 3 months, which should consider to be cold turkey.
Tapering schedule:
Month 1: 37.5 mg

Month 2: 25 mg

Month 3: 12.5 mg

Month 4(Half the month): 6.75 mg
Month 4(Other half): 0 mg December 9, 2020

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